The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (“ECHDC”), a subsidiary of the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development (ESD), invites internationally and critically acclaimed artists to submit qualifications and proposals for The Erie Canal Bicentennial Public Art Installation at Canalside (the “Project”) in the City of Buffalo, NY. ECHDC seeks artists who can demonstrate the ability to design and implement heritage-focused public art commissions.

ECHDC feels it is important to create high-quality and appealing public art components at Canalside and throughout the Buffalo Waterfront that will attract visitors but will also make the citizens of Buffalo proud of our history and the current redevelopment of our waterfront. The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 was a critical event in the history of the United States, opening the heartlands of the continent. It also transformed Buffalo from a frontier village to the eighth-largest city in the United States over a span of just 75 years. The Western Terminus of the canal, at what is now Canalside, became a commercial hub and a transshipment point that moved rivers of immigration westward and rivers of cargo eastward – American Express and Wells Fargo were created on its docks, and the Canal District became a global trade center and, at the same time, notorious as one of the roughest waterfronts in the world. Through the Canal Era, Buffalo grew exponentially as many of the immigrants who arrived here by the canal – more than ever arrived at Ellis Island – settled here instead of continuing their journeys west.

ECHDC is inviting artists to submit qualifications and proposals that prove their ability to work within the historic context while incorporating ECHDC’s vision to revitalize Western New York’s Waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance, and natural beauty. The current project budget is not to exceed $250,000. ECHDC has retained the services of an Art Consult who will facilitate the evaluation of qualification submission packages and will recommend to the ECHDC up to three (3) qualified artists based upon the evaluation criteria explained in this document. The three (3) “semi-final” artists will contract with the Art Consultant and receive a $10,000 stipend to complete their proposal. After public presentations and final evaluations, one artist or team will be selected for the commission.

Please find instructions and requirements for submission enclosed in the Commission Link Document.